Comstock Township - November 18, 2024 Township Board

Updated about 17 hours ago

The Comstock Township Board Meeting on November 18, 2024, focused on several important community matters. Key topics included a discussion on housing affordability and development, the approval of a new ordinance for a rezoning request, and the presentation of the Prime Award to Finance Director Bret Padgett. The meeting also highlighted community concerns regarding ordinance enforcement and upcoming board member transitions, with Supervisor Randy Thompson reflecting on his years of service. Public comments addressed housing affordability and community support, and the board made several decisions, including adjusting a FOIA request fee. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of outgoing members and their contributions to the community.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:30)
The meeting of the Comstock Township board was officially started at six o'clock.

The meeting was called to order by the chair at six o'clock, marking the official start of the session for the Charter Township of Comstock Township board.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:40)
Attendees stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all attendees, standing as a sign of respect and patriotism.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:08)
The agenda was approved with a minor change to move a presentation before public comments.

A motion was made to approve the agenda with an amendment to move the presentation before the first public comment. The motion was supported and carried unanimously.
Prime Award Presentation (00:01:42)
Finance Director Bret Padgett received the Prime Award for his outstanding service.

Bret Padgett was recognized with the Prime Award for his exceptional contributions as finance director. The award was presented by the previous year's winner, Anthony Maggio. The presentation highlighted Padgett's achievements and dedication to the community's financial health.
Public Comments (00:08:26)
Community members expressed concerns and gratitude towards the board.

During the public comment section, several community members spoke. Comments ranged from appreciation for the board's service to concerns about campaign conduct, housing affordability, and community safety. Some members expressed dissatisfaction with past and potential future board appointments.
Department Announcements (00:16:37)
Various department updates were provided, including health services and regulatory meetings.

Commissioner John Gissler provided updates about local health services, including a new clinic for students. He also mentioned upcoming meetings regarding the Palisades nuclear plant and community events. These updates aimed to inform the board and public about ongoing and future initiatives.
Consent Agenda (00:21:01)
The consent agenda, including budget adjustments and promotions, was approved.

The board reviewed and approved the consent agenda, which included budget adjustments and employee promotions. A minor correction was noted regarding the meeting schedule before the agenda was unanimously approved.
Planning and Zoning - First Reading of Ordinance (00:22:10)
First reading of a rezoning ordinance for a parcel to light manufacturing was conducted.

The board conducted the first reading of an ordinance to rezone a parcel from Comstock Center to light manufacturing. The planning commission recommended approval, and the board discussed the rezoning's alignment with current and future land use plans.
Rezoning Request (00:25:24)
A parcel rezoning request from R1A to AGR was discussed and approved for first reading.

The board reviewed a request to rezone a parcel from R1A to AGR for agricultural residential use. The planning commission recommended approval, and the board discussed the rezoning's impact on the master plan and surrounding areas.
FEMA Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program Training Request (00:33:03)
The fire chief provided updates on departmental activities and grant training requests.

Chief Bok provided updates on the fire department's activities, including a 100-year anniversary celebration and the unveiling of a chief's statue. He also discussed the FEMA grant training program, emphasizing the importance of continued professional development and community service.
Firefighters and Green Bulbs Program (00:34:20)
Discussion on the firefighters' initiative to keep wreath bulbs green to prevent structure fires.

The firefighters discussed their initiative to maintain green bulbs on wreaths as a symbol of no structure fires in Comstock Township. If a fire occurs, a bulb is changed to red. The community is encouraged to prevent fires. Smoke alarms are available for free installation due to a grant.
Firefighters Grant Application (00:34:29)
Request to apply for a grant to fund firefighter training programs.

The fire department requested board approval to apply for a grant to fund training programs, including driver operator, aerial training, safety, survival, and infectious control. These programs would involve national instructors and cover personnel time.
Public Comments on Fire Department (00:35:00)
Public and board members discussed firefighter training and equipment.

Board members and the public discussed the fire department's training needs, particularly concerning the new aerial truck and the grant application. Questions were raised about training alternatives if the grant was not received and budget considerations for matching funds.
Hiring Part-time Firefighters (00:39:19)
Approval to hire three part-time paid on-call firefighters.

The board discussed and approved hiring three part-time paid on-call firefighters residing within two miles of the township. Candidates have passed interviews and are pending background checks and physicals.
Election Report (00:40:36)
Clerk reports on a smooth election day with few issues.

The clerk reported a successful election day with few issues, thanking staff, volunteers, and the fire department for their assistance. Voter registration was high, and a tent was set up to keep voters dry.
Cemetery Ordinance Second Reading (00:42:07)
Approval of the second reading of the cemetery ordinance changes.

The board approved the second reading of changes to the cemetery ordinance, addressing the cremation-only section and sidewalk foundation requirements.
Cemetery Rate Increase (00:42:58)
Discussion and approval of cemetery rate increase proposal.

The board reviewed and approved a proposal to increase cemetery rates, reflecting contractor rates and including cremation-only plot foundation costs.
Mandatory Water Hookup Discussion (00:44:08)
Discussion on implementing mandatory water hookup ordinances.

The board revisited the topic of mandatory water hookups, discussing the possibility of neighborhood-specific ordinances versus township-wide implementation. Legal research was ongoing to determine feasibility.
Planning Commissioner Resignation (00:48:02)
Acceptance of resignation of long-standing planning commissioner Ron Bortel.

The board accepted the resignation of Ron Bortel from the planning commission, thanking him for his years of service.
Appointment to Planning Commission (00:49:22)
Proposal to appoint Bob Sherwood to the planning commission.

A motion was made to appoint Bob Sherwood to the planning commission, but it faced opposition from some board members due to timing and previous election results.
Central County Transportation Discussion (00:53:03)
Discussion on adding precinct 1 to the transportation service area.

The board discussed including precinct 1 in the Central County Transportation service area before the upcoming millage. Changes in bus service availability were noted.
Sheriff's Contract Renewal (00:55:35)
Renewal of the annual sheriff's contract with updated terms.

The board reviewed and approved the annual sheriff's contract, which now includes updated union-negotiated terms. The contract ensures payment for actual officer hours worked.
FOIA Fee Appeal Discussion (00:57:32)
Discussion of an appeal to waive FOIA fees for a resident's request.

The board considered an appeal from a resident to waive FOIA fees due to financial hardship and public interest. The legal and financial implications of waiving the fees were discussed, with board members expressing differing views.
Discussion on FOIA Request and Fee Reduction (01:06:28)
Board discusses a FOIA request, considering fee reductions to enhance transparency, weighing community benefit against costs.

The board engages in a detailed discussion about a FOIA request regarding ongoing litigation. Members consider whether to reduce or waive the fees associated with fulfilling the request, weighing the potential benefit to the community against the financial cost. There is a strong emphasis on transparency and the public's right to access information.
Vote on Reducing FOIA Fee (01:17:04)
Board votes to reduce the FOIA fee after discussions, aiming to balance public access with cost considerations.

Following a comprehensive discussion on the FOIA request and potential fee adjustments, a motion is made and seconded to reduce the fee. The board votes on this motion, with the majority supporting the fee reduction, reflecting their commitment to transparency and public access to information.
Superintendent Report (01:18:03)
Superintendent reports on county projects, budget preparation, and employee policy updates, highlighting new laws.

The superintendent provides an update on recent activities, including collaboration with the county on projects, budget preparations for the upcoming audit, and updates to employee policies, particularly in response to new laws requiring sick leave for all employees, which mostly affects part-time staff.
Public Comments (01:20:07)
Public comments cover various topics, including affordable housing, election reflections, and ordinance enforcement issues.

During the public comment section, several citizens address the board on diverse issues. Topics include the need for affordable housing in the township, reflections on the recent election, and concerns about ordinance enforcement and potential conflicts of interest involving the supervisor-elect.
Member Comments (01:34:16)
Board members share reflections and gratitude, acknowledging the outgoing members and aspirations for future governance.

Board members express their gratitude and reflections as some members prepare to leave and others continue. They acknowledge the contributions of outgoing members, express hopes for continued effective governance, and emphasize the importance of working together for the community's benefit.
Public Comments (01:40:10)
Various trustees express gratitude and reflect on their service, relationships, and the community's development.

Trustees share personal stories and express gratitude for support during elections and service. They highlight community growth and personal experiences, such as military service and encounters with veterans. They emphasize their commitment to serving the community and acknowledge contributions from other board members.
Trustee Reflections (01:43:00)
Trustees reflect on their time in office, achievements, and future aspirations, highlighting teamwork and community service.

Trustees reflect on their terms, discussing achievements such as senior housing projects and economic growth. They emphasize bipartisanship and teamwork, acknowledging challenges and successes. Personal stories are shared, illustrating dedication to public service and plans for future involvement in community leadership.
Adjournment (01:47:17)
The meeting is officially adjourned, concluding the discussions and reflections shared by the trustees.

The meeting concludes after trustees have shared their reflections and expressed their gratitude and future intentions. The official adjournment marks the end of the session.